The second memoir details Ms Hodges experiences battling with mental health as an adult.

“I was juggling the balls of life,” said Ms Hodges.

“I was working as an academic at a university and I am also a mum to three boys, when I got the mental illness ball thrown in I was barely able to manage at all.”

Ms Hodges grew up in Coolah, a small town halfway between Tamworth and Dubbo, with a population of 900 people.

“I grew up feeling like I didn’t belong,” she said.

The first memoir, Girl on the Edge details Ms Hodges tumultuous upbringing and the health problems she faced as a teenager.

In her second book, Girl over the Edge, Ms Hodges writes about the mental health issues she faces later in life as repercussion of the isolation she felt growing up.

In recovery at the moment, Ms Hodges has spent lengthy periods in and out of both public and private mental health clinics, the most recent admission in January.

“In the clinic I met people who were everyday, functional people that were knocked over by mental illness,” she said.

Ms Hodges admits she was not exempt from the preconceived stereotype of the people inside mental health facilities.

“I isolated myself from family and friends because of the stigma,” said Ms Hodges.

“Now I want to challenge the way people see mental health and the stigma attached to it.”

To launch the new book, Ms Hodges is in the middle of a demanding book tour across the country.

Her recent tour of Hunter Valley and New England saw her visit 12 libraries in six days.

She said with such a packed schedule she is careful to manage her illness through rest.

“I have a very intense week of book tours and then I come home and rest for a week,” she said.

Next month, Ms Hodges will travel to Orange to share her story.

Her 45 minute presentation is described as raw and honest.

Her aim is to provide insight and also challenge beliefs, attitudes and reduce the stigma in society around mental illness.

The book will be on sale at the presentation at Orange City Library on May 10 at 5.30pm.

“It’s a wild read,” said Ms Hodges.

Book on Eventbrite.com.au or phone Orange City Library on 6393 8132.